Dear Parents-
Happy Catholic Schools Week! On Sunday, January 31, the first day of Catholic Schools Week, we celebrated the Feast of Saint John Bosco, patron saint of school children, whose theory of education reflected his desire to “unite the spiritual life with one’s work, study and play.” Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, marking 40 days after the Nativity. Interestingly, the day is also known as Candlemas. However, both feasts celebrate children, St. John Bosco focusing on the potential found in school children to change the world, and the Presentation celebrating the Christ Child as the Light of the world.
We have strictly enforced all SJS COVID mitigation strategies, and they are working very well. Inconvenience is a small price to pay for good health. Research data is proving what we already know, that schools can be safe places, provided mitigation strategies are closely monitored and followed. The data is also showing that in cases where a student does test positive for COVID-19, that student did not catch the virus at school, but in most cases caught the virus at a sporting event not sanctioned by the school. For this reason, I have to ask that if you allow your child to engage in indoor sports activities please insist that masks are worn. All healthcare research on masks and exercise supports the wearing of masks during exercise. #STOP THE SPREAD.
COVID data in Fairfax County shows total cases of COVID in children under 17 years of age has reached 7,629, with a total of 60,000 cases for all ages in Fairfax. The current positivity rate in Fairfax over the last fourteen days is 11.1%; neighboring Loudoun County has a 7-day positivity rate of 13.7%, and Prince William County is unchanged, with a 7-day 14.1% positivity rate.
In-person students will continue to go outside for recess everyday, as fresh air is an important mitigation strategy. Please make your child bring a coat to school. There will be recess, winter weather tends to be cold, and a coat is needed to stay warm. No student will be allowed to stay inside; please insist that your child has a coat...gloves and a hat are nice options as well.
Please check below for the Catholic Schools Week activities, including food, winter warmth and diaper drives, as well as dress-out day and themes.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance.
Go to Joseph
(Gen 41:55)
Denise Rutledge
Principal
Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
